Page 36 of It Started at the Lake

“I hope me being this close doesn’t bother you,” Bennett whispers. His breath tickles my neck, sending tingles down my spine. “We do this every year. It’s silly, but fun.”

He likes doing this?

Huh.

Yet another thing to like about Bennett. He can let loose and do something a little childish.

I shiver. “It’s fine.” More than fine. My core temperature is skyrocketing despite the wind and spray of water in my face.

Bennett’s chest touches my back. I’m positive the warmth radiating between us is hot enough to register as dangerous on the heat index.

No wonder Jack did this with Rose. It’s incredibly romantic and sensual. I give in to the sensations I’m feeling, imagining what it would be like to date Bennett for real, though I know it’s a fantasy I’ll have to pop soon.

“Say cheese,” Evie says, holding up her phone.

I turn in her direction, my lips lifting into the widest smile possible.

The second Evie snaps the photo, Bennett steps back like I spit on him. My arms crash to my sides and I pitch forward. My head and shoulders go over the bow of the boat. Grasping desperately, I try to find anything to hold on to.

My hands meet air.

My heart beats like a drummer in a Mardis Gras parade. Holy Hannah. I’m going to die! “Ahhhh!”

Another scream pierces the air.

“Whoa!” Bennett yelps, reaching out and pulling me to safety. My back is snug against his magnificent chest as he holds me close. Our chests rise and fall in unison.

“Are you okay?” His hands pat my arms and shoulders. “I’m so sorry!”

Maybe don’t let go of me like I’m a leper next time?

“Millie! Are you okay?” Evie rips me away from Bennett and crushes me in a tight embrace.

I flip around and sit, placing a shaky hand over my pounding chest. “I’m good.” You know, besides my life flashing before my eyes.

Evie squeezes my shoulder. “You scared me. I seriously thought you were going overboard.”

Me too. “Thankfully, Bennett saved me.” Since he caused the fall.

Evie stares at Bennett, her brows creasing in the middle.

He barely shakes his head, giving her a look to let it go.

“Henry, come on,” Evie shouts to the back of the boat. “It’s our turn, but don’t you dare make me slip.” She hops up, kneeling on the seat.

Wait. Evs wants to do this after watching me almost fall to my death? Psycho.

Bennett sits across from me. He catches my gaze and immediately looks away, his jaw clenching, his fingers on his right hand twist around his left ring finger. His skin has lost all color. Is he upset? Concerned? Feeling guilty? I can’t quite read the expression, but whatever is happening is opposite from his “this is silly, but fun” comment from moments before. And now I’m worried about him. Is he going to be okay? What should I say or do to reassure him I’m fine?

Evelyn and Henry get in position. Henry holds on to Evie’s arms, keeping her secure. Watching those two together makes me miss Bennett standing close to me. The tingles and sparks shooting throughout my body. It’s like I rode a high (as short-lived as it was) and now I’m crashing, drowning in the lake below.

It’s most likely the after-crash of adrenaline from almost falling into the lake and being run over by the boat.

But I’m ninety-nine point nine percent certain it’s Bennett.

I keep saying to keep him as a friend, ignore the attraction, and I’m doing the exact opposite. This cycle makes me want to shake myself and scream, “stupid woman!” just like all those horror movies I watched when the teen went out at night to investigate a noise.

A job outside of this house as soon as possible is my only hope.

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